European PPWR: Are You Prepared?

The European Union is taking a significant step towards more sustainable packaging. With the introduction of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) - which came into effect on February 11, 2025 - the way organizations handle packaging data is changing. The aim of this regulation is to reduce the use of packaging, make it lighter and smaller, and improve the reusability and recyclability of these packaging materials. But what does this mean for your company?

Quick access:

• What Are The Consequences of the PPWR?
• Impact On The Entire Supply Chain
• Efficient Exchange Of Packaging Data
• Prepare Your Organization for the PPWR!

What Are The Consequences of the PPWR?  

The implementation of the PPWR regulation starts in August 2026 and will be progressively expanded until 2040. This will have major consequences for every company that supplies goods. For each packaging, they will have to demonstrate whether and how it complies with the rules.

This involves a lot of different data, such as the quantities of each packaging material used, the proportion of recycled raw materials, the reuse of packaging and materials and the presence of harmful substances such as PFAS or heavy metals.

Impact On The Entire Supply Chain  

The new regulations do not only apply to manufacturers. Wholesalers and retailers also have to report on product and shipping packaging, such as boxes and pallets. Organizations will have to keep track and exchange much more data about their packaging. They will share packaging data with partners in the supply chain, from the manufacturers of the packaging materials to retailers.

Efficient Exchange Of Packaging Data  

Data standardization organizations are already busy preparing new standards for the exchange of data for PPWR. For example, GS1 has started pilots for the development of GS1 PAC (Packaging Alignment & Compliance). The aim of this is to efficiently and confidentially share the packaging data that is relevant for laws and regulations with trading partners.

This also places new demands on the Master Data Management of organizations, which have to collect and distribute the packaging data.

Prepare Your Organization for the PPWR!  

Do you want your product master data to be prepared for the upcoming PPWR regulations? Contact us for an introduction!